Friday, November 30, 2012

Students at Pompano Beach High School will have a unique opportunity to learn about the government, economy, educational system and tourist destinations of many countries during the school’s first International Summit to be held the week of December 3rd at their school. The summit is slated to become an annual event. Pompano Beach High School is located at 600 NE 13 Avenue, Pompano Beach.

Principal Hudson Thomas and event organizer and Magnet Coordinator William Bankowski, have invited various government officials, teachers and students from such countries as Spain, Mexico, France, Sweden, Taiwan and Japan, as well as members of the U.S. Peace Corps. Some invitees will serve as guest teachers during the week or will take part in conversations via Skype. Among the guest teachers will be Consul Juan Jose Cogolludo (Spain); Consul Manuel Hernande (Mexico) and Steve Hunsicker, U.S. Peace Corps representative.

On Wednesday, December 5 (1:45 p.m.), students will attend a concert presented by Brazilian Voices, a women’s vocal ensemble. That evening, in conjunction with the summit, Brazilian Voices will present “An Evening of Brazilian Jazz,” a benefit concert that is open to the community. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Pompano Beach High School, with proceeds benefiting the school’s international programs. Tickets for the evening concert are $5 and may be purchased online. To purchase a ticket, users should click on “High Schools,” select “Pompano Beach High School” and scroll down to “Brazilian Voices Benefit Concert.” Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $10. A reception will follow the concert.

Students will attend a culminating celebration on Thursday, December 6, 1:30 p.m. at the school that will provide them an opportunity to hear from a forum of international guests, local dignitaries and business leaders, who will discuss world issues. Among the panelists scheduled to participate will be French Cultural Attaché Madam Martine Johnson; Chinese Cultural Attaché Carmen Tsai; Consul, Republic of Columbia Drego Martinez and two teachers, Maria Forsman from Spain and Yoshiko Aly from Japan.

Bankowski said, “The International Fair and Summit was created to allow our students to meet and interact with people from diverse cultures and gain a more global perspective. As an international affairs magnet program, it’s important that we help our students become effective leaders and productive global citizens. This event is designed to accomplish that goal by exposing our students to international studies through cultural engagement.”

ATTENTION ASSIGNMENT EDITORS

Media are invited to attend the Brazilian Voices concerts (Wednesday, December 5, 1:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and the international guests’ panel discussion on Thursday, December 6 (1:30 p.m.). Please check-in at the school office. Pompano Beach High School is located at 600 NE 13 Avenue, Pompano Beach.